Arun Krushnaji Kamble was an author and poet from Maharashtra, India. Born in 1953, he died 56 years later in 2009. Not only a poet but also a Dalit activist, Kamble did much for the Indian government, marching and leading protests to challenge disputes between the people.
Kamble was born in the Mahar community on March 14, 1953. His mother and father were both educators and both published their autobiographies. His mother’s autobiography is seen as the first written by a Dalit woman. Kamble took his education in the city of Sangli and earned his M.A. from Siddhartha College. His major interests during this time were Dalit literature and the social reform movement, Ambedkarite. He eventually joined other colleges as a lecturer and got a chair at the University of Mumbai. After college was when Kamble started his political and social career, gaining high positions in the government and joining the Dalit panthers.
Kamble’s most famous poetical work includes "Mudra" and "Arun Krushnaji Kamble", which was awarded the “Best Poetry Collection by Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad”. He has also worked on several prose works and translation projects and was a skilled orator giving many speeches. Kamble was not only a poet, but also a master of many crafts, talents, and professions.
Kamble was a leader of the Dalit Panther Party and an active member of the Republican Party of India. He was also a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly for two terms. During his time in office, he fought for the rights of the Dalit people, striving for better education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. His work was not limited to the Dalit people but he was also an avid advocate for the rights of women and the poor. He led protests and rallies to raise awareness of the discrimination that was occurring in Indian society.
Kamble was also a prolific writer, authoring many books on Dalit literature and social reform. His books included “The Dalit Revolution”, “The Path of Victory”, “The Struggle for Equality”, and “The Social Revolution”. His works have been translated into several languages and are popular throughout India. He also wrote poetry, which showcased the plight of the oppressed, and the Dalit people.
Kamble was an important figure in the history of India, and his works and legacy continue to inspire people today. He is remembered as a champion of the rights of the oppressed and a leader who worked tirelessly to bring about change and equality. He was an advocate for the rights of those who were marginalized and oppressed in Indian society. His contributions to the struggle for social change and equal rights will be remembered for generations to come.
